So, theoretically, the 8.5mm will perform better than the 8mm wire, all things being equal. Lokar Offers Cloth Covered Vintage Look Spark Plug Wires in Six Colors That said, with today’s electronic ignition systems, be it an external box or an under cap conversion kit, a quality 8mm or better spark plug with RFI suppression is your best solution.
Full Answer
How much resistance does a spark plug have?
As the spark current travels through the plug wire, it has a certain amount of resistance working against that current. Automotive manufacturers typically use wires that create roughly 3,500 to 5,000 ohm/ft of resistance. Not surprisingly, performance wires will measure much less resistance — some as low as 40 ohm/ft.
What size spark plug wires do I Need?
Today, aftermarket performance spark plug wires are available in 8mm, 8.5mm, 8.8mm, 9mm, and 10.4mm diameters to handle any ignition system you have on your hot rod, muscle car, classic truck, or race car. There has been an argument about 8mm vs 8.5mm plug wires for decades. The diameter isn’t just about looks or having a “fat wire.”
What makes the professional spark plug wire sets different?
For the Professional Spark Plug Wire Sets, each wire conductor, wire length, and diameter have been designed to provide maximum spark delivery and protection.
What makes a good ignition plug wire?
The latest, technically advanced ignition systems have created a situation where plug wire selection can optimize engine performance or even hinder power output. Almost all plug wires are constructed using similar components: a central core, conductive suppression layer insulator, fiberglass braid, and an outer silicone jacket.
What is the best performance spark plug wires?
Best Sellers in Automotive Performance Spark Plug Wires#1. Spectre Performance 4238 Black Wire Loom. ... #2. NGK (9160) RC-ZE21 Spark Plug Wire Set. ... #3. MSD 32819 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire Set, Red. ... #4. NGK (5659) RC-ZE76 Spark Plug Wire Set. ... #5. Spectre Performance 4602 Red Deluxe Wire Divider. ... #6. ... #7. ... #8.More items...
Do high performance spark plug wires make a difference?
What is the Difference Between High Performance Spark Plug Wires and Regular Ones? High performance spark plug wires are made to provide a lower core resistance, a greater resistance to engine heat and chemicals, and a higher degree of radio suppression.
What size spark plug wires should I use?
Most manufacturers recommend an 8 or 8.5mm plug wire on most applications. Exceptions would be an all-out race car or a street rod where EMI/RFI suppression is not a concern, but weight and appearance are. In which case, a 5 or 7mm wire might be a better option.
Is a thicker spark plug wire better?
Simply stated, these larger wires offer a thicker layer of insulation to stop any chances of EMI/RFI that may affect performance. Spark plug wires are commonly direct-fit to work on a specific application.
What's better 7mm or 8mm spark plug wires?
A more robust core provides a lower resistance path for the power, thereby allowing more power to reach the spark plugs. Additionally, the 8mm wires have a thicker outer coating that keeps the core safe from damage. These wires also have a thicker layer of suppression material.
Do performance spark plug wires add horsepower?
The short answer is Yes, when you replace the spark plugs and wires can increase your vehicle's performance. New spark plugs help keep your engine at its peak performance and efficiency levels.
Do HT Leads improve performance?
Performance HT Leads are Worth it As soon as the flow is interrupted, the magnetic field collapses, creating or inducing a higher voltage in the secondary set. This is the current that then gets directed to the spark plugs.
Are NGK spark plug wires good?
NGK ignition wire sets are engineered to meet strict OEM tolerances using variable pitch wire winding, creating resistance to radio frequency interference. Providing superior quality, noise suppression, durability and conductivity, NGK wire sets cover more than 98% of vehicles on the road today.
Does spark plug wire length matter?
A spark plug wire length chart can help you know which category of wire to buy based on how long the wire is. You really only want to use wiring just long enough to get from the spark plug to the distributor. This will prevent wires from getting in the way of other moving parts under the hood.
Are performance ignition leads worth it?
Performance HT Leads are Worth it As soon as the flow is interrupted, the magnetic field collapses, creating or inducing a higher voltage in the secondary set. This is the current that then gets directed to the spark plugs.
Should I use OEM spark plug wires?
To get the best performance from your car, always buy OEM spark plug wires. They will not cost much more and will typically result in an overall savings in fuel economy and engine performance. There are only two specialized tools used in changing your spark plugs and wires.
Do iridium plugs make more power?
Greater engine power from iridium spark plugs The spark plug manufacturers are unanimous about the fact that iridium spark plugs can considerably improve the engine power. The advantage is crucial when you need to navigate through difficult driving situations or climb steep slopes.
What is the resistance of spark plug wires?
Resistance: Rated in ohms-per-foot, resistance is the ignition wire’s tendency to resist the flow of the electric current.
What type of core is used for spark plugs?
Again, some cores offer low resistance while others provide better EMI/RFI suppression. The most common types of spark plug wire cores are as follows: Carbon Core: This is the common OEM-style core used on most modern vehicles. It offers excellent RFI suppression but also creates more resistance than other styles.
What is the job of spark plug wires?
The number one job of any spark plug wire is to transfer an electrical charge from your ignition to your spark plugs. The challenge is to get the maximum amount of this charge to the plugs without creating interference (EMI or RFI) for nearby electrical components. On top of that, the wires must often deal with larger amounts ...
What is the purpose of the Conductive/Suppression layer on spark plug wire?
Conductive/suppression layer: Some manufactures add another layer below the insulation as an added safeguard against energy loss or EMI/RFI. Finally, there’s the core. The core largely dictates the performance of the spark plug wire.
What is a solid core spark plug?
Solid Core: Solid core spark plug wires typically utilize stainless steel or copper, which conducts electrical current very well. For that reason, solid core wires have lower resistance than other wires to get maximum energy to the plugs.
What is the outer jacket of a wire?
This can vary from manufacturer to manufacture, but a typical wire will consist of a: Outer jacket: Usually made from silicone, the purpose of this layer is to add strength to the wire and to protect the inner layers from heat, abrasion, chemicals, and other harm inside the engine compartment.
Do spark plug wires survive in high temperatures?
On top of that, the wires must often deal with larger amounts of voltage from modern ignitions and aftermarket ignition coils. Plus, they have to survive in the high temperatures and extreme environment of the engine compartment. It can be a tall order, but those are the qualifications for a good set of spark plug wires.
What to look for when buying spark plug wires?
What to Look for When Shopping for Spark Plug Wires. The most important aspect you need to pay attention to when shopping for spark plug wires is that they are an engine specific part. Before purchasing any set of spark plug wires, make sure they are designed to work on your vehicle and will fit with no issues.
What are the spark plugs on a jeg?
4. JEGS. Often seen on domestic vehicles are JEGS’ spark plug wires, with three of its popular models being the Ultra Pow’r Wires available in red, yellow, and black. All three models have a wide range of applications, so if you’re shopping for these, make sure a particular product fits your car prior to purchasing.
What is NGK spark plug wire?
NGK is one of the largest OE suppliers and manufacturers of spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and air/fuel sensors in North America, so there’s little surprise the company’s spark plug wires are also one of the most popular. The company offers a wide variety of applications, and its spark plug wire sets are designed specifically for noise suppression and superior conductivity. NGK says the durable materials it uses in the manufacturing process enhance the overall strength of the wire, providing a “super strength backbone” on which the various layers of the wire assembly are formed.
Does Bosch wire set protection work?
Bosch also offers a lifetime protection against wire set failure due to these pure silicone jackets. The wires also have an EPDM inner insulation that stops power-robbing voltage leaks, while “snap lock” terminals or OEM-style connectors ensure the wires are tightly crimped to the connectors, exceeding OEM standards.
Does it hurt to have the correct number of wires?
Still, it doesn’t hurt to make sure you are getting the correct number of wires for your vehicle, which will be how many cylinders your engine has. The easiest way to determine this is to simply count how many wires you currently have and making sure what you’re purchasing has the same amount.
Can you save money on spark plug wires?
And given the price of spark plug wires, you won’t be saving much purchasing used ones. Since most spark plug wires are sold as a set and specifically for your vehicle, you’ll likely not have to worry about getting the wrong number of wires.
Why do 2005 GTOs need spark plugs?
The 2005 and 2006 GTO need a slightly longer spark plug wire because of the use of the LS2 ignition coil and the placement of the coil brackets. If you use the MSD 32819 spark plug wire set on a 2005 or 2006 GTO, the spark plug wire will barely reach.
What are the factors that determine the type of spark plug wire?
The two major factors of choosing a spark plug wire are the wire’s resistance and the wires’ ability to prevent Electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Resistance: Rated in ohms-per-foot, resistance is the ignition wire’s tendency to resist the flow of the electric current.
What is the purpose of spark plug wires?
Spark Plug Wires. The purpose of spark plug wires is to carry electricity from the ignition coils to the spark plug. This causes the spark plug to spark and ignite the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignition coils on the 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO can carry up to 40,000 volts of electricity. The spark plug wire assures that all the intended ...
Why do spark plugs crack?
That factory or stock spark plug wires over time can become brittle and crack. The rubber insulation surrounding the wires themselves can develop small cracks in them just from time (being old) or from the heat from the engine and exhaust manifolds. These cracks can cause the spark to actually arc.
Where do spark plug wires break apart?
The most common problem is the factory spark plug wires will break apart right where the wire meets the spark plug wire boot (attaches to the spark plug) on the spark plug side . High-Performance spark plug wires will be spiral core wires and are much more durable.
Do spark plug wires hold up to heat?
This style of spark plug wire is prone to wear and tear and can begin arcing if the wires show age. These wires do not hold up to the engine heat well. This style of spark plug wires is intended to be replaced and will not last the life of the vehicle.
Do spark plugs have a spiral core?
As with everything, there is a delicate balance. More wire coils around the core will reduce noise but raise the resistance of the wire. Many of the high-performance spark plug wires are spiral core. And again, companies will use different variations of the central core material used.
How to test spark plug wire resistance?
Testing a spark plug wire’s resistance is fairly straightforward, but you will need a test meter with an ohm setting. If you are not sure how much resistance your engine’s plug wires are creating, you can perform a simple resistance test with a hand-held volt/ohm meter. With the plug wire removed from the engine and your test meter set to ohm (Ω).
How much resistance does a spark plug have?
Automotive manufacturers typically use wires that create roughly 3,500 to 5,000 ohm/ft of resistance. Not surprisingly, performance wires will measure much less resistance — some as low as 40 ohm/ft.
What temperature can spark plug boots withstand?
If you’re tired of melted plug-wire boots, Accel has the cure. The Extreme 9000 plug wire kits utilize ceramic boots that will withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees. The boots are available in straight, 45-, or 90-degree configurations. Were told the ceramic coating acts as a heat mirror, reflecting infrared energy and heat away from the plug boot. Finally, it’s engineered to resist flaking and peeling.
What is the outer layer of plug wire?
The outer silicone layer of a plug wire is what you can see. This is usually made of EPDM rubber or silicone. Most wire manufacturers offer different colored outer jackets, but the color is purely cosmetic. However, the outer jacket is more than just good looks. It is constructed in such a way to add protection from heat, abrasion, and deterioration from chemical exposure.
What is the core of spark plug wire?
The center core of OEM-type spark plug wires is made of a carbon fiber that helps minimize radio frequency interference (RFI). However, carbon fibers are not great conductors of electricity and develop a strong resistance to current flow in the plug wire’s ability to carry the electrical current.
What is a plug wire?
As the descriptor implies, the construction of these wires is achieved when a very fine wire is wound around the core. This winding is typically an alloy made of copper, nickel, and/or tin. This winding is designed to help contain RFI and EMI, and still offer a low resistance within the wire. Spiral wound wires are a mainstay on any high-performance ignition system.
Why is there resistance in spark plug wires?
The purpose of this resistance in the plug wires is to help suppress electrical interference with other electronic components in the car. However, the resistance must not be enough to hinder the spark from traveling to the spark plug.